Shyu has two worldwide databases that can diagnose patients and find vital information within minutes. His graduate students will work on this technology while earning their master's or doctoral degrees.

MU Chancellor Brady Deaton also is excited about the gift.

"A million-dollar gift like this is very, very critical," he said, "particularly when you're initiating a new program area and a new thrust that's been in the planning stages here on campus for several years. And we were very much in need of a gift like this to kick the program forward."